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Queensland Women's Strategy

Why we need gender equality

Despite the positive changes to women’s status and roles made over the past century, gender inequality persists in our community, restricting women’s full participation in the social, economic and cultural opportunities that Queensland offers.

The gender pay gap in Queensland is unacceptably high at about 18%.

Women are vastly underrepresented in leadership positions, particularly on boards of management.

Women are more likely to work in a narrow range of lower paying occupations, and continue to be underrepresented within traditionally male-dominated industries.

Women take primary responsibility for unpaid domestic work and caring for dependants.

Women are vastly overrepresented as victims of sexual offences, stalking and domestic and family violence.

Gender equality will benefit everyone. A gender equal society promotes and protects women’s rights, interests and wellbeing and ensures women’s maximum participation in all aspects of society, which in turn leads to better social and economic outcomes for all. Women and men across all parts of the community need to work together on gender equality, for the social and economic wellbeing of all Queenslanders.

Vision

The Queensland community respects women, embraces gender equality and promotes and protects the rights, interests and wellbeing of women and girls.

Principles

Queenslanders value diversity, equality and social inclusion.

The Queensland economy is strongest and everyone benefits when women fully participate and contribute.

Everyone has a role to play in achieving gender equality.

All women and girls have the right to choice, safety and to live without fear.

Every woman is different and valued for her uniqueness.

Consultation findings

We conducted extensive statewide consultation seeking the community’s views on a range of issues important to Queensland women and girls, and how to address barriers and challenges to achieving gender equality in Queensland.

Through our InstaBooth – set up in partnership with QUT and located at Central Station in Brisbane – and our online survey, we received input from around 1000 Queenslanders – mostly women – about their views on gender equality. We also had input on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

More than 90% of Queenslanders surveyed said that gender equality was important. Survey respondents highlighted issues such as domestic and family violence, sexual assault, women in leadership, the gender pay gap and work-related issues such as flexibility and work-life balance as being the most important to achieving gender equality.

Around 90% of survey respondents also noted that a gender balance in leadership was important, and that women are more likely than men to experience barriers in participating in the workforce, particularly due to unpaid caring and domestic responsibilities. Flexible work practices for women and men were nominated as the highest priority for improving gender diversity and equality in the workplace. Mental and emotional health was highlighted as the most important health issue for women.

Contact

If you have any questions about the strategy, please email the Office for Women or free-call 1800 177 577 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm).